Scuffle in Fort Kent leads to gun charge

FORT KENT, Maine — A Fort Kent man has been charged with assault and criminal threatening with a firearm after an incident on West Main Street.

Fort Kent Police Chief Kenneth Michaud said Tuesday that the incident occurred on Friday during the Ploye Festival and International Muskie Derby.

According to the chief, Jake Robichaud, 35, was outside the Circle K convenience store when he reportedly saw a group of young men nearby. Robichaud said one of the men dropped a bottle to the ground and left it there.

Robichaud reportedly told the man he was littering and asked him to pick up the bottle.

The man did so, according to the chief, but then dropped it again.

Robichaud again asked that the bottle be picked up.

Another 22-year-old who was with the group came forward and asked Robichaud why he was “harassing” them.

In the meantime, police were called.

A scuffle ensued, and Robichaud told police that pushing and shoving occurred and he was backed into a wall.

The youth told Michaud that at this point Robichaud pulled out a handgun.

The chief said Robichaud had a pistol on him when police arrived at the scene and acknowledged he had displayed the weapon.

He was charged with criminal threatening with a firearm and assault. He is scheduled for an Oct. 16 court appearance.